Is this the high-water mark for ObamaCare?

posted at 9:00 am on November 8, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

The Democrats wheedled, cajoled, begged, and finally abandoned its defense of abortion — truly a watershed moment — in order to get their version of ObamaCare passed … in the House of Representatives, where they enjoy a 75-seat majority.  In the end, they could only muster a five-vote win on Nancy Pelosi’s bill out of that strong majority.  Until this week, most had assumed that any ObamaCare bill would pass the House easily, but that the fight would be in the Senate.

So what does this 220-215 vote tell us?  Capitol Hill Democrats know that this bill is an albatross.  It’s true that Pelosi was able at the end to negotiate votes to allow a few at-risk Democrats that supported the bill to oppose it in the final vote, but even that tells a tale of fear and consciousness of unpopularity.  The razor-thin vote, as well as a number of earlier, more sincere defections, show that this bill was a radical and expensive approach to fix a 13% problem — and even most of the Democrats know it.

Now the focus swings to the Senate, where Harry Reid will have to gain supermajorities at least twice to allow the bill to proceed to a final vote.  That seems unlikely, although not impossible.  The process will slow down considerably from the jam-down Pelosi conducted in the lower chamber, perhaps even to a crawl if Tom Coburn makes good on his threat to have the bill read in its entirety on the Senate floor.  That will leave plenty of time for ObamaCare opponents to find all of the taxes, mandates, and government intrusions that will make it even less popular as it sits in the Senate.  Even before Coburn’s threat, Democrats had pushed expectations for the bill out to late January — which makes the politics of the bill even more fraught for Democrats, at the start of an election year.

Democrats have another problem, even in the House.  The Senate is not considering the Pelosi plan, but one they wrote themselves.  Unless Reid pulls his own bill out of consideration and substitutes Pelosi’s — which is a possibility — that sets up a conference committee and second vote in each chamber, assuming that the Senate passes anything at all.  If that happens, a conference committee will have to meet to produce another bill that would then go for a full floor vote in each chamber.  If abortion funding makes its way back into the bill, or if mandates or taxes increase, or if conscience protections get stripped, then all of the hurdles that Pelosi barely cleared the first time return, and without the ability to amend the bill (conference reports get straight up-or-down votes without amendments in order to have both chambers pass identical legislation for the President to sign.)  That means another shot at a filibuster and a lengthy bill reading in the Senate, and at least a chance to hold Bart Stupak’s pro-life coalition in the House under the spotlight to find out whether they will vote their conscience or bow to Pelosi.

We always thought the fight was in the Senate, so the only real surprise yesterday was how weak Pelosi actually was on ObamaCare.  Our focus now has to shift to those red-state Senators who will have to explain to voters their potential support of a bill that imposes unconstitutional mandates and trillions of dollars in new costs on a government that can’t pay its bills now.  And in this case, we’ll only need two of them to stop the runaway tyranny of the Democratic agenda.

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Unconstitutional

whiskeytango on November 8, 2009 at 9:04 AM

I think I remember someone, somewhere, once said elections have consequences or something…

2008, meet 2010!

ErinF on November 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM

I can’t find a list of the Blue Dogs who caved and voted yes. Do you have one?

jeanneb on November 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM

Dear Senator Tom Coburn: Please read the Bill. Very slowly. Annunciate!

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM

Vote. Them. Out.!!

coldwarrior on November 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM

The house bill is nothing more than a payoff to the Democrat’s whiny, parasitic constituents that won’t buy healthcare insurance. Well citizens, now you are going to pay dearly to subsidize this class of social parasites. In doing so you’ll lose your freedoms and your liberties and yes, even your right to fail. All you hard working Americans that have met all the challenges in your lives through self determination and hard work have just been betrayed by a despotic, totalitarian government that has decided to give your earned wealth to those that are too lazy to work and sacrifice for themselves. The beneficiaries of this socialist healthcare manifesto are not the poor and incapable, they have always had a safety net in Medicaid. These are the nanny state lovers that form a valuable voting block for the leftist Democrats. It’s a very sad day for the Republic and its citizens.

rplat on November 8, 2009 at 9:07 AM

I am having trouble looking on the bright side of this right now. If I, as an opponent, had anything to do with advertising against this bill the fines and jail time for failure to comply would be all over the airwaves.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Our focus now has to shift to those red-state Senators who will have to explain to voters their potential support of a bill

will be calling McCain later today for sure…no Gang of 14 on this piece of garbage….

cmsinaz on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

The American Medical Association House of Delegates drew up a resolution last night [11/7] which would withdraw their support of the House health care bill. Members are likely to vote on whether or not to withdraw their support of the bill earlier in the week. This action is a result of members within the organization who revolted, when the AMA initially gave the the healthcare legislation its endorsement. President Obama touted the endorsement of the AMA and AARP on Thursday at the White House.

Procedural votes are happening today to attempt to have the resolution’s vote placed on the agenda earlier in the week. The AMA’s House of Delegates is the principal policy-making body of the American Medical Association.

Executive director David Cook of the Medical Association of Georgia sent the Washington Times the latest copy of the resolution drawn up last night at the meeting and explained how the voting would work.:

“[A] vote to make Late Resolution 1006 an item of business at the meeting requires 2/3 vote as it was filed so close to the meeting. That vote will occur this afternoon[Saturday]. If that vote fails, that resolution will not be made an item of business. In the event the vote fails, we should be able to raise the issue.

If the vote to make the Late Resolution 1006 an item of business, the actual resolution will be voted on Monday.”

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Late Resolution: 1006

(I-09)

Introduced by: Alabama Delegation Arkansas Delegation, Delaware Delegation, District of Columbia Delegation, Florida Delegation, Georgia Delegation, Kansas Delegation, Louisiana Delegation, New Jersey Delegation, South Carolina Delegation, West Virginia Delegation, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Society of General Surgeons, Triological Society

Subject: Withdraw support of HR 3962

Resolved, that the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association rescinds the action taken by the AMA Board of Trustees supporting HR 3962 the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

-Washington Times

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Darn it Ed, there you go giving hope to the hopless. I had almost convinced myself that this was a done deal and it was all over but the shouting.

Mord on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Just remember folks, if any sort of public option gets through and becomes law, it will become virtually impossible to ever reverse, even with Republican majorities in both houses and a Republican president.

Just look how difficult it was to try to modernize and privatize a fraction of the Social Security bureaucracy. As Mark Steyn has noted, once healthcare becomes a federal entitlement–as is the case in Canada, the UK, etc.–it almost always guarantees a left-of-center governing majority, because every pol will be terrified to oppose a “free” handout.

Stop it now, because chances are you won’t stop it in the future.

Then again, I’m an unrepentant pessimist.

Pope Linus on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Awesome analysis, Ed. Thanks. Kudos to Mike Pence for his floor speech: http://ow.ly/Asch

paul1149 on November 8, 2009 at 9:09 AM

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Thanks for that important info. Here’s the link.

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:11 AM

Barry can always bring out the dead like he did yesterday.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091108/D9BR59EO0.html

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:11 AM

Sure, the Dems scored a win here but it’s no mandate. The fight is far from over; this has to pass the Senate and both Chambers are going to be arguing later on.

When all is said and done, what is now propaganda might well die later. Five votes in passing is very narrow, and I bet the Dems are scared that this vote went the way it did.

The best is yet to come. And I’m still buying us the popcorn.

Liam on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

I live in freshman Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper’s district, where we ain’t exactly San Fransisco – much more middle-of-the-road.

I think her “aye” vote makes her a one-term wonder.

bcm4134 on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Great news – this should be as good as Public Housing

Wander on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

There’s hope for a change for the better, then. Time is the bane of the Left – it allows the light to shine on them, and they cannot abide the light.

OldEnglish on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Resolved, that the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association rescinds the action taken by the AMA Board of Trustees supporting HR 3962 the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

A little too late now, isn’t it?

Thanks ever so much, AMA.

tru2tx on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Lord, help us!

American Elephant on November 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM

OT

Anyone see Nancy Pelosi on the front page of the Drudge Report? Brings a new meaning to a Nanny State. ///

yoda on November 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM

Both Blaunche Lincoln and Harry Reid are in trouble election wise. Also the Dem Colorado Senator and Senator Spector are also weak on this for different reasons. Heat them up.

Though your wrong Ed there is the concern of wavering GOPers like Snowe and Collins. We also on the right have to beware of defections.

William Amos on November 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM

Libs, digging deeper, making voters madder.

Speakup on November 8, 2009 at 9:14 AM

Well the government call always cut nown on defense spending, why should America pay indifinitely for the security of those ingrates in Afghanistan? Especially since it is propping up a dictatorship only marginally better than the Taliban. Better pay for health care than paying for the opportunity to die for a weak and pathetic dictator like Karzai.

JC Silverberg on November 8, 2009 at 9:14 AM

A little too late now, isn’t it?

Thanks ever so much, AMA.

tru2tx on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

The AMA leadership (and I use that term loosely) jumped the gun and endorsed the bill without consulting the members. Now the members are making them eat their words in public.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:15 AM

Keep in mind that Hillarycare cost the democrats the 1994 elction. Obamacare is further along and more on the radar that that was.

William Amos on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

A little too late now, isn’t it?

Thanks ever so much, AMA.

tru2tx on November 8, 2009 at 9:12 AM

It could help in the Senate.

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

Dear Senator Tom Coburn: Please read the Bill. Very slowly. Annunciate!

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM

I suggest we don’t depend on Tom Coburn. Contact your own Senators and ask them to Read. The. Bill.

I did.

ladyingray on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

Just one of the lawmakers that I hope we bring down in 2010 is Tom Perriello of VA.

Gotta make em pay heavy for those votes.

4thQTR on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

rplat on November 8, 2009 at 9:07 AM

Mostly, it is a way of pandering to people who want someone else to pay for their own medical bills and to people that want richer people than them to pay for poorer people’s bills.

Count to 10 on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

ladyingray on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

good idea

cmsinaz on November 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM

For all you republicans and other who stayed home on election day…You suck. You are as much to blame as anyone else.

tomas on November 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM

If the AMA flips back to oppose, then Obama will have to go back to his absurd tonsil-snatching, foot-rustling demonizing of doctors.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM

We have to support Tom Coburn. Call, write, email him tell hime that we stand by him following through with his threat to read the bill on the Senate floor.

evie on November 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Good analysis Ed.

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM

Thanks for that important info. Here’s the link.

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:11 AM

I want to know why they are changing their minds. I am more than a little cynical at this point.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:18 AM

I get sold out by my “Blue Dog” house rep and now it goes to the senate where no amount of cajoling will make Babs or DiFi actually put the country first. I’m in a bad mood.

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:18 AM

So whom do we send our money to for the elections. Identify, Isolate, Vote em out.

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:18 AM

What if Harry goes to the nuclear option. He’ll surely have 50 votes.

stenwin77 on November 8, 2009 at 9:18 AM

I suggest we don’t depend on Tom Coburn. Contact your own Senators and ask them to Read. The. Bill.

Absolutely we must contact our own Senators, but I think it is important to contact Coburn too.

evie on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

What if Harry goes to the nuclear option. He’ll surely have 50 votes.

stenwin77 on November 8, 2009 at 9:18 AM

Despair.

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

coldwarrior on November 8, 2009 at 9:06 AM

+10

becki51758 on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

Ed, I appreciate the pep talk, and your attempt to spin this in as positive a light as possible. But the truth is that out nation is under attack by some very real enemies from within, and we are losing. Unless we rise up and let them know that we will not tolerate their incursions against our constituion no matter how many vots they get, we are a nation lost.

As Obama is famous for saying, the time is now, and we are the ones we have been waiting for. America, it is time to decide to fish or cut bait. We will either have to fight this enemy with all our might and at the risk of our lives, our treasure and our sacred honor, or we surrender to them.

MikeA on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

Well the government call always cut nown on defense spending, why should America pay indifinitely for the security of those ingrates in Afghanistan? Especially since it is propping up a dictatorship only marginally better than the Taliban. Better pay for health care than paying for the opportunity to die for a weak and pathetic dictator like Karzai.

JC Silverberg on November 8, 2009 at 9:14 AM

Typical liberal thinking . . . socialized healthcare may be a terrible idea but it’s better than this other thing that’s even more terrible. No! The correct course is to win our wars and trash this socialist healthcare dung.

rplat on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

if Tom Coburn makes good on his threat to have the bill read in its entirety on the Senate floor.

If, I don’t trust any of these guys up there anymore.

Didn’t they threaten to read porkulus. Yea that happened.

From the article linked above

“It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it,” said Rep. John Dingell, the

I thought everyone was going to be insured. This is not what Dingbat is saying.
Also from the above article

Participants also said Obama had referred to this week’s shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, in which 13 people were killed. His remarks put in perspective that the hardships soldiers endure for the country are “what sacrifice really is,” as opposed to “casting a vote that might lose an election for you,” said Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J

Disgusting. FU Zero

Brat4life on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Absolutely we must contact our own Senators, but I think it is important to contact Coburn too.

evie on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

For those of us registered in places like CA, only productive thing we can do is contact Senators from other states.

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

What if Harry goes to the nuclear option. He’ll surely have 50

Dems wont do that (Bob Byrd for one would hate that idea) as it gives a simple majority power o overide fillibusters which democrats LOVE to do. It would be like giving up a power that they cherish.

William Amos on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

How come illegals don’t have to go to jail if they don’t buy insurance?

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml

It may have been posted on another thread, but that’s the vote tally. I was looking for a first-term Ohio Dem in a neighboring district. I can’t believe it. He voted for cap-and-trade and now this. I have to believe he’s toast.

BuckeyeSam on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Keep in mind that Hillarycare cost the democrats the 1994 elction. Obamacare is further along and more on the radar that that was.

William Amos on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

Remember Newt’s Contract with America? Remember how the Dem’s called it the Contract ON America?

Well, Obamacare really is the Contract on America. It’s going to kill us with debt.

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

We might want to challenge the constitutionality of the House Health Care Bill before Obama completely packs the Supreme Court with fascists.

I don’t believe that making it a crime (or misdemeanor) punishable by fines and jail time for failure to purchase health Insurance was ever on our founders’ minds when they were creating a country based on liberty and justice for all.

MaiDee on November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM

How come illegals don’t have to go to jail if they don’t buy insurance?

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Someone has to live in our homes while they’re empty.

BuckeyeSam on November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM

MikeA on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

Well, you’re comment is exactly why we need the pep talk. I didn’t get up this morning only to go back to bed, and this article helped. :)

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM

yoda on November 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM

That’s it!!! I am nominating her for next the next season of “What Not To Wear”. And Mrs. Clinton also.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM

OT: Another SEIU beating

uknowmorethanme on November 8, 2009 at 9:22 AM

I want to know why they are changing their minds. I am more than a little cynical at this point.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:18 AM

The national leaders of the AMA are probably more liberal than the state associations or the majority of members. Out of touch with the membership and perhaps with a touch of superiority that they know the ways of govenrment better than their members.

It’s the same with the ABA, to which most lawyers don’t even belong. it’s dominated by big, multi-state firm lawyers, corporate lawyers and federal government lawyers. L

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:22 AM

How come illegals don’t have to go to jail if they don’t buy insurance?

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Why would you jail a potential future voting bloc?

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Now the members are making them eat their words in public.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:15 AM

I can live with that.

It could help in the Senate.

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

We can only hope. But it’s still INFURIATING that they obliged Obama by doing the dog and pony show at the WH.

I’m just very disheartened right now. I’m really not seeing much of an upside to any of this.

tru2tx on November 8, 2009 at 9:23 AM

The razor-thin vote, as well as a number of earlier, more sincere defections, show that this bill was a radical and expensive approach to fix a 13% problem — and even most of the Democrats know it.

Excellent analysis (and wording) Ed. Most Americans had better things to do on a Saturday night and have NO idea what is in this bill beyond abortion.

Sunlight will kill this bill.

Angry Dumbo on November 8, 2009 at 9:23 AM

The bill, for all its “history”, sold about as well as Pelosi’s book. Considering the author, the pattern fits.

That it passed at all is monstrous, a measure of how far out of touch the poltical class of the left is with this country and its values. and how appeasement and “the benefit of the doubt” has worked to preserve our Constitution and freedoms. No wonder there is jailtime for those who dissent.

The good news is the battle is not over. Can it be killed entirely? Maybe not, but some damage control is possible. Media won’t cover that part. But it is real.

We just have to be more determined and vocal than the marxists. Dig in and go to war. If we lose, we lose honorably.

Harry Schell on November 8, 2009 at 9:24 AM

Joe Sestak congratulated himself for voting for this monstrosity. It will certainly be interesting to see what Arlen Specter does now.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:24 AM

How come illegals don’t have to go to jail if they don’t buy insurance?

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Because they are the unfortunate and downtrodden that have been taken advantage of by White American Imperialism and deserve all the fruits of your labor.

thomasaur on November 8, 2009 at 9:25 AM

Excellent analysis (and wording) Ed. Most Americans had better things to do on a Saturday night and have NO idea what is in this bill beyond abortion.

Sunlight will kill this bill.

Angry Dumbo on November 8, 2009 at 9:23 AM

I think you’re right. I think since people will realize that it passed, they will dig a little deeper and see what really is in this and actually the approval numbers of ObamaCare will hit rock bottom, IMO.

deidre on November 8, 2009 at 9:25 AM

bloggless on November 8, 2009 at 9:11 AM

OMG. I thought this (from K-Lo at NRO) was bad:

Mr. Obama, during his private pep talk to Democrats, recognized Mr. Owens election and then posed a question to the other lawmakers. According to Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, who supports the health care bill, the president asked, “Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care? All it will do is confuse and dispirit” Democratic voters “and it will encourage the extremists.”

But THIS (from your link) is just beyond the pale:

Later, in an appearance at the White House, he said he had told lawmakers, “to rise to this moment. Answer the call of history, and vote yes for health insurance reform for America.”

Participants also said Obama had referred to this week’s shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, in which 13 people were killed. His remarks put in perspective that the hardships soldiers endure for the country are “what sacrifice really is,” as opposed to “casting a vote that might lose an election for you,” said Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J.

What a despicable excuse for a human being—and he is President. I weep for our country.

IrishEi on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 AM

The Stupak Amendment will hit the cutting room floor just as soon as it reaches the next conference committee. Empress Nancy would have allowed an amendment selling off her first-born to the highest bidder in order to get this piece of garbage through the House.

uncivilized on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 AM

I live in TN-1 with a freshman Republican congressman (Dr Phil Roe). Add in my two Republican Senators (Alexander and Corker) and I don’t have much to worry about, vote wise.

I do when it comes to “Cap & Tax” when it comes to Alexander. :-(

However, I will continue to let them know how I feel about the Health Care bill.

ny59giants on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 AM

The house bill is nothing more than a payoff to the Democrat’s whiny, parasitic constituents that won’t buy healthcare insurance. Well citizens, now you are going to pay dearly to subsidize this class of social parasites. In doing so you’ll lose your freedoms and your liberties and yes, even your right to fail. All you hard working Americans that have met all the challenges in your lives through self determination and hard work have just been betrayed by a despotic, totalitarian government that has decided to give your earned wealth to those that are too lazy to work and sacrifice for themselves. The beneficiaries of this socialist healthcare manifesto are not the poor and incapable, they have always had a safety net in Medicaid. These are the nanny state lovers that form a valuable voting block for the leftist Democrats. It’s a very sad day for the Republic and its citizens.

rplat on November 8, 2009 at 9:07 AM

I put this on my facebook page. I could not have said it better

IowaWoman on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 AM

rplat on November 8, 2009 at 9:07 AM
—-
Silly rplat. Dems don’t *pay* taxes!

Mew

acat on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 AM

We always thought the fight was in the Senate, so the only real surprise yesterday was how weak Pelosi actually was on ObamaCare.

Well, maybe. Since you only need 218 to pass, plenty of nervous Blue Dogs who might have otherwise voted for the legislation could have defected to keep their seats. And, of course, they’ll win re-election in conservative and moderate districts. Pelosi is many things, but she’s not stupid.

Proud Rino on November 8, 2009 at 9:27 AM

Sorry, but I have zero faith in the Ladies from Maine and the other estrogen filled Rino wobblies to save us from this.

Terry_Dyne on November 8, 2009 at 9:28 AM

This gives me some hope, but what about the nuclear option where the reconcilation process is used to begin with to avoid filibuster?

Ted Torgerson on November 8, 2009 at 9:29 AM

LOL at the “Stash” dem voters and “brat” dem voters.

They think because Hollywood and millinoaires told them that is a great thing. The Hollywood crowd, millionaires, and elites will have one health care
we will have another….Read the Daily Mail….gruesome

Aids patients can kiss expensive meds goodbye….no cure for you dudes and dudettes…..

We are now thrown in with people who have never worked a day in their life. We are being punished by the elites for actually trying to achieve. go communism Pay for play…..comrade…..bribes on the table now…..

nondhimmie on November 8, 2009 at 9:29 AM

I wonder what the vast majority of Americans are going think about the process used here. I doubt that more than 2% of people even knew this vote was going to take place on a Saturday, now they wake up to find that it has already happened. Of course, people had no chance to call the Representatives yesterday because they have never thought to do so on a Saturday. This was obviously done very deliberately to avoid any mass call-ins and fax-ins like we had with the amnesty bill in 2006.

Pennsylvanians have seen this movie before, when our legislature voted itself a huge pay raise at midnight on the last night of the session. Voters rewarded them by removing more than 20 of them and even a Supreme Court justice in the next election.

I disagree with Ed that this thing is not reversible, even if the Senate passes it. If Republicans campaign on it next year and win a majority, they can sure as hell repeal it. The benefits do not kick in until 2012 and there is sure as hell no way the government can get a new insurance program going in a year. But they have to win next year.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

The AMA leadership (and I use that term loosely) jumped the gun and endorsed the bill without consulting the members. Now the members are making them eat their words in public.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:15 AM

Unfortunately, no. They’re not.

Pablo on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

Joe Sestak congratulated himself for voting for this monstrosity. It will certainly be interesting to see what Arlen Specter does now.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:24 AM

Should be fun. Arlen has to run to the right of Sestak in the primary, but to the left of Toomey in the general.

Arlen has to be the “moderate” who can carry the critical Philly suburbs while endorsing Obama’s radical agenda.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

Well, maybe. Since you only need 218 to pass, plenty of nervous Blue Dogs who might have otherwise voted for the legislation could have defected to keep their seats. And, of course, they’ll win re-election in conservative and moderate districts. Pelosi is many things, but she’s not stupid.

Proud Rino on November 8, 2009 at 9:27 AM

She is stupid, because this is going to cost her the Speakership.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

MikeA on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Well, you’re comment is exactly why we need the pep talk. I didn’t get up this morning only to go back to bed, and this article helped. :)

darii on November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM

This article, and any other article, is just words. So far our side is losing the battle of words, mostly because we tend to feel obligated to use words that we belive in, and make promoises we can keep. The other side uses words that they think their minions believe in, and make promises they have no intentions to keep. I fear it is one of our failings that we are so willing to settle down after each lose of freedom to the statists, if someone will tell us some words that sound good. My mood is far past that. The only words I have left for the bastards are these: Don’t Tread on Me.

MikeA on November 8, 2009 at 9:31 AM

The most productive thing to do right now is flood the emails and phones of the ones who voted yes on this bill.
Show the Senate that they are at risk…and show the other politicians that they are at risk for even considering this bill, let alone voting for it.

Voting for this bill has consequences…and we need to show the hacks what the consequences are.

right2bright on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

Capitol Hill Democrats know that this bill is an albatross.

I hope you’re right. Because if you’re wrong, I look forward to moving to Minnesota and sitting next to you in the welfare style doctors office. Next to you will be sitting the disease ridden 3rd generation welfare mom with her 7 lice infested kids. I will turn to you and say “Hey Ed, hows that albatross working out for ya?”.

csdeven on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

That’s it!!! I am nominating her for next the next season of “What Not To Wear”. And Mrs. Clinton also.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM

She could have gone to Victoria’s Secret to buy a bra before she came to work on Saturday morning to put those babies in place. She’s got a little spare time after the vote last night, so I am sure she can get a lift.

yoda on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

I disagree with Ed that this thing is not reversible, even if the Senate passes it. If Republicans campaign on it next year and win a majority, they can sure as hell repeal it.

Not with Obambi in the White House. A veto proof majority just isn’t going to happen.

Pablo on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

ny59giants on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 AM

I live in TN-1, too!

ladyingray on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

My Blue Dog, Gabrielle Giffords, District 8, Arizona, voted YES. She can kiss her seat goodbye. I’ll be working my butt off for her defeat. And I’m only one of MANY!

Maggie45 on November 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM

Should be fun. Arlen has to run to the right of Sestak in the primary, but to the left of Toomey in the general.

Arlen has to be the “moderate” who can carry the critical Philly suburbs while endorsing Obama’s radical agenda.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

At least 200,000 jobs in Pennsylvania are related to health care, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and medical device manufacturing, many of them in those all-important Philly suburbs. Sestak seems willing to vote for them all to disappear. I’m not sure Specter will. I think this vote will signal the end of the rise of the Democratic Party in the suburbs.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Again, I can’t hide my cynicism. The AMA is only suppose to represent a small percentage of doctors in the first place. First they endorse it and then retract, sounds very inside the Beltway to me. Few can benefit by being on every side of an issue and why they are withdrawing their support is pretty important.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM

She is stupid, because this is going to cost her the Speakership.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

I wish that I could be as upbeat as you rockmom.

thomasaur on November 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM

Now the focus swings to the Senate, where Harry Reid will have to gain supermajorities at least twice to allow the bill to proceed to a final vote. That seems unlikely, although not impossible.

There is going to be some major league arm twisting going on by the WH. And the DNC threatening to cut off funding to dems that oppose it in the senate. This is a big one for them, the socialist agenda depends on this to stay alive. Once passed it will be difficult if not impossible to get rid of.

conservnut on November 8, 2009 at 9:34 AM

She could have gone to Victoria’s Secret to buy a bra before she came to work on Saturday morning to put those babies in place. She’s got a little spare time after the vote last night, so I am sure she can get a lift.

yoda on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

No, not Victoria’s Secret . . . perhaps a cargo net company?

rplat on November 8, 2009 at 9:34 AM

Unfortunately, no. They’re not.

Pablo on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

Thanks for the update on the AMA cancelling the vote, Pablo.

I wonder how they convinced the doctors they’d be better off under what eventually will be government-run health care and eventually a single-payer system.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:34 AM

My Blue Dog, Gabrielle Giffords, District 8, Arizona, voted YES. She can kiss her seat goodbye. I’ll be working my butt off for her defeat. And I’m only one of MANY!

Maggie45 on November 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM

Giffords is a Blue Dog? LOLz.

Proud Rino on November 8, 2009 at 9:34 AM

It will certainly be interesting to see what Arlen Specter does now.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:24 AM

Hearing that he jumped off a high bridge would be nice.

Spector’s last word: SPLAT!

Liam on November 8, 2009 at 9:34 AM

As Obama is famous for saying, the time is now, and we are the ones we have been waiting for. America, it is time to decide to fish or cut bait. We will either have to fight this enemy with all our might and at the risk of our lives, our treasure and our sacred honor, or we surrender to them.

MikeA on November 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM

QOTD

publiuspen on November 8, 2009 at 9:35 AM

With these dem majorities, we all knew they would get some kind of bill, and Barry will sign it in some great, grand ceremony using Lincoln’s pen, Washington’s inkwell and Sojourner Truth’s writing table.

I think our focus needs to shift to 2010, 2012, and repealing this monstrosity. But, then, who here believes a Republican majority would be capable of that? It would be a miracle. They like big government just as much as the far-left does. And with Boehner in charge? The guy’s a $1,000-suit-wearing lump of vanity. He’s going to be on board with socialized health care — and the power it gives to the political class — faster than you can say “I have how long to live?”

Rational Thought on November 8, 2009 at 9:35 AM

She is stupid, because this is going to cost her the Speakership.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDY2I5pni90

Proud Rino on November 8, 2009 at 9:35 AM

yoda on November 8, 2009 at 9:32 AM

I almost said something truly awful. No more coffee for me.

Cindy Munford on November 8, 2009 at 9:36 AM

Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care? All it will do is confuse and dispirit” Democratic voters “and it will encourage the extremists

Oh GOODY! A new label from zero! Might look good on a sign.

indypat on November 8, 2009 at 9:36 AM

Hey. at least the Precedent was actually doing some work yesterday. There’s a first time for everything.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:38 AM

I suggest we don’t depend on Tom Coburn. Contact your own Senators and ask them to Read. The. Bill.

I did.

ladyingray on November 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

That is a very good suggestion. Call, email and Tweet. Ask them to read the bill, and ask them to vote no. Even if they are safe Dem votes, I still think it’s worth it. It helps create a climate of opposition.

Loxodonta on November 8, 2009 at 9:38 AM

At least 200,000 jobs in Pennsylvania are related to health care, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and medical device manufacturing, many of them in those all-important Philly suburbs. Sestak seems willing to vote for them all to disappear. I’m not sure Specter will. I think this vote will signal the end of the rise of the Democratic Party in the suburbs.

rockmom on November 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM

The Bush tax cuts expire next year, too. Wonder how Arlen will (or Patrick Murphy in the House) spin that in the Philly suburbs. Arlen has always known he had to keep the burbs happy when he was running as a GOP.

Wethal on November 8, 2009 at 9:40 AM

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